1
ANIYAH
“Idon't know how you can even dance in that thing!” Nova shouted over the pounding bass, pointing at my outfit. “I mean… Isn't your ass cold?”
I glanced down at my custom-made pink diamond bra with bedazzled strands dangling just enough to mimic a see-through crop top. Shrugging, I turned around and shook my ass. The pleated mini skirt bounced with me, its slits riding high enough to flash both cheeks. “I don’t like being constrained.”
The beat throbbed through the club, crawling up my skin like a lover's touch, each vibration speeding my pulse. Twirling, I raised my arms above my head and danced in our VIP area, the Syndicate-only lounge.
Tonight wasn’t just any night. It marked the end of my training and the beginning of our era. Our reign. The five of us were the next in line, the Syndicate empire’s heirs, and now was our time to shine.
Scanning the massive three-story club, with the DJ suspended in the center like a maestro commanding a sea of bodies, Ireminded myself that tonight was our night, our last before taking on our roles, which was fitting as it was my twenty-first birthday.
Leaning against the railing, I caught the DJ’s eye. He nodded. A quick scratch sliced through the music, and the bass dropped into silence. I raised my glass high and screamed across the crowd, “It’s my motherfucking twenty-first birthday, bitches! Drinks on me!”
Chaos erupted. The floor surged as the masses swarmed the bars, their screams of delight echoing off the walls.
“Did you hear that, crew?” Holding the mic, the fairy DJ flew up into the air and called out, “Miss Aniyah Glovefox, the Syndicate Flower herself, is making history tonight and treating you all. Get your drinks while our princess is feelin’ generous!”
The music kicked back in, and just as I was about to raise my glass, a cool, bone-dry voice came from behind me. “Glad you’re making such responsible use of our money. Pretty sure tonight’s gonna be a profit-loss nightmare.”
I turned to beam at my eldest sister.
Ezra sat with her legs crossed, wearing all-black everything—wide-leg trousers, asymmetrical crop top, stiletto heels with blood-red soles. Her hair, white like all of ours, flowed over her shoulders in clean simplicity. Her rose-gold eyes, sharp enough to cut, narrowed beneath arched brows. Everything about her screamed lethal elegance.
The only splash of rebellion was the ink that covered her body. Spiraling up from her knuckles, it traveled all the way up her arms, chest, and stomach, the inky darkness covering her skin.
“I should’ve known you’d pull something like this,” she said, arms folded in her signature I’ll-kill-you-but-lovingly stance.
I hit her with my best I’m-your-baby-sister-and-you-love-me smile.
Rolling her eyes, she sighed, but I caught the corners of her mouth twitching. Victory.
“Well... It’s your birthday,” she muttered, like that made it all inevitable.
“Damn right!” Calix strode over with his stupidly charming smile, his fangs peeking out from between his lips as he slipped his jacket over my shoulders and looked away like I wouldn't notice that stealth move.
I yanked it off and shoved it back at him with a grin. “Not happening. I look fucking de-lick-able.”
He folded the jacket over his arm, giving me a strained, defeated smile. “Had to try.” He kissed my cheek hard and slid into the booth next to Ezra.
“Look, I appreciate the big brother energy,” I said, leveling a finger at him, “but for the love of Satan and all his mistresses,do notcockblock me tonight. I’m on the hunt for some good birthday dick.”
His face twisted like I’d just served him sour milk, so I kept going.
“Not a pretty dick. Not a glamour muscle dick. Not a thinks-he’s-God’s-gift-but-can’t-fill-a-sock dick?—”
“All right!” He held up both hands, glaring at me. “I get it! Just…” He swallowed like he ate something sour. “Just makesure it’s a dick you can control. It’s your fucking birthday after all.”
I squealed and threw my arms around him. “You know me. There isn’t a man alive I can’t make dance to the snap of my fingers.” I lifted my heel and turned it, yanking out the poisoned blade he’d hidden in these custom heels. It was so nice to have a big brother that was a weapons-making genius. “Plus, I’ve got myself covered. If someone doesn’t deliver on some dick that makes my eyes cross, Iwillstab him.”
He scanned the crowd like he was already vetting future problems. “Don’t ever hesitate, Niya.”
“Never,” I said, shaking my head until the diamonds sounded like wind chimes.
Suddenly, a chill swept up my spine and goosebumps erupted. Then a familiar flat, cold voice brushed my ear.
“And if you can't stomach it, I’ll do it. Just call me.”
